South Carolina solar energy enthusiasts are celebrating the vote on what many are calling a “historic step” toward overcoming the state’s longtime opposition to solar power.
A local South Carolina news website is reporting that the SC House of Representatives voted unanimously in favor of a bill that “will help the state attract international businesses, lower energy costs for homeowners and protect the environment.”
After years of heavy dependence on coal-fired power generation, Solar Carolina solar supports are taking a deep sigh of relief as the renewable energy revolution that has been sweeping the nation is finally appearing on the SC horizon. Although the cost of solar panels has dramatically plummeted in recent years, South Carolina solar policies have remained the same, largely preventing what could be a state-wide solar adoption.
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“This is truly a big deal, a giant step in moving South Carolina forward in renewable energy,’’ state Rep. Robert Brown, D-Charleston, said.
The proposed South Carolina solar bill revolves around the increased use of solar power by utilities, including SCE&G and Duke Energy. The rules say participating utilities must get 2 percent of their average five-year peak power demand from the sun, and that could increase the amount of solar energy installed in the state to 300 megawatts or more. About 7 megawatts (MW) of solar power are now installed in South Carolina, a small amount compared with other states.